91 Pop, Rock and Country Songs About Rain

Updated on October 2, 2016

Rain can soothe and nourish the soul or mirror the angst and sadness that you feel in your life. Make a Rainy Days and Nights playlist to celebrate the healing power of rainfall. We've got a huge list of songs about rain to choose from. | Source

Rain: It's All About Perspective

Rain can be nourishing, soothing, and its soft sounds make for terrific sleeping. But for some people, rain represents sadness and is a metaphor for life's hardships. If you're one of those rain complainers, perhaps you need a little bit of perspective.

Whereas on Earth we have rain made of water—okay, sometimes dirty polluted water—other planets have far more bizarre weather. Venus' rain bathes the planet in showers of sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid. (Who's complaining now?) And on the largest moon of Saturn, called Titan, there are rain showers of methane, which is highly flammable and explosive.

Scientists believe that on Saturn and Neptune large hailstones of methane fall and are eventually converted into diamonds. These diamond rainstorms may seem luxurious, but imagine getting pelted by a large diamond raindrops. Ouch.

Still complaining about rain on Earth? On HD 189733b, a planet that is 63 light years from our own solar system, it rains glass sideways at a mind bending speed of almost 4,500 miles per hour.

So next time it rains too much here on Earth, just remember it's all about perspective. You could have it way worse.

Now that you appreciate the rain more, why not create a custom playlist of songs on the topic? Celebrate the symbolism of rain and all the emotions that it evokes, from sadness to triumph. We've got a long list of pop, rock and country songs to choose from.

Reader Poll

Rain makes me ...

think of the soothing abundance and cleansing that nature provides

want to pull up the covers and sleep in.

think of my failures, lost relationships, and everything that is wrong with the world. I'm such a Debbie/Donnie Downer.

1. "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars

In this 2011 song, the narrator is pulling a major guilt trip just in case his girlfriend ever considers leaving him. He forecasts some mighty dark days ahead if that should happen: no sunlight, no clear skies, just clouds and rain. (Bruno, you're stronger than that!)

He reminds his lover of all the sacrifices he's making to be with her and says a break up would require heavy medication. Okay, does this sound healthy to you?

2. "Here Comes the Rain Again" by Eurythmics

The narrator in this 1984 song sees bad times resurfacing and seeks to face it with her partner together as a couple, head-on. Rather than keeping secrets from one another, she wants to talk honestly, deeply and openly.

3. "Songs About Rain" by Gary Allan

A former girlfriend got married today, and the guy in this 2003 song is an emotional wreck. He's driving around town and it seems like the only songs that are on the radio are songs about rain. It just adds to his regret about letting her go. When it rains, it pours.

4. "She's My Kind of Rain" by Tim McGraw

The lyrics of this 2003 country song are pure poetry. In addition to referring to his sweetheart's love as "my kind of rain," which you can imagine as purifying, life-affirming and as something he needs, the narrator describes her as follows:

She's the sun set shadowsShe's like Rembrandt's lightShe's the history that's made at nightShe's my lost companionShe's my dreaming treeTogether in this brief eternitySummer days, winter snowsShe's all things to behold.

Now that is how to love a woman.

5. "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele

With her powerhouse vocals and semi-autobiographical lyrics, Adele recounts love gone wrong in this 2011 hit. The woman in the song describes being at a weak point in her life and falling in love with someone she thought was both strong and good for her.

Unfortunately, he played manipulative games and offered empty promises, bringing her tears and pain. She gained control and distance from him ("set fire to the rain") even though it seared her soul.

6. "Only Happy When It Rains" by Garbage

The lady in this 1995 song must be a real joy to know because even she admits that she's only happy when it rains, when it's complicated, and when there's bad news. Sad news makes her feel good, as do sad songs, and she smiles only in the dark.

Yep, she's a complainer alright, a real Debbie Downer, if you like that sort of thing. This gal is a real friend magnet who probably crashes funerals for fun.

The song was intended as a parody of the anxious, self-absorbed songs of the 1990s. The genre tended to dwell on one's internal psychological conflicts. In that case, the band nailed it.

7. "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses

The couple in this 1992 power ballad is approaching the end of their relationship. The narrator can feel that there's been a change in the way his girlfriend feels about him, and he's struggling to hold onto her. Despite his pleas, he also tells himself that "nothin' lasts forever, even cold November rain."

8. "I Made It Through the Rain" by Barry Mannilow

This sentimental 1980 song is a survivor's anthem. It's about a man who is proud to have made it through tough times with his dignity and positive view of himself and the world still intact.

When he was going through the worst period of his life, friends were scarce. However, he found the strength to weather the storm. He faced his fears and became a role model for others going through difficult circumstances.

9. "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls

You've heard of raining cats and dogs, right? This international hit from 1982 reports the unusual case of Mother Nature doing a favor for all the single ladies by deciding to have it start raining men one day:

God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman tooShe took off to Heaven and she did what she had to do.She taught every angel; she rearranged the skySo that each and every woman could find her perfect guy.

What's ironic, however, is that the song later became a gay anthem.

10. "Through the Rain" by Mariah Carey

In this 2002 song, Mariah Carey describes the desperate and empty feeling of being stranded alone in the rain, and gives others the encouragement they need to make it through. She encourages them to stand on their own, reach for the strength that they may not even realize is there, and rely on their faith. Taking one step at a time, realize that you may stumble but eventually you can stand tall and overcome your challenges.

11. "When It Rains" by Kid Rock

Those of us who have lost a friend as a teenager can identify with the sorrow and lingering grief in this 2010 song. The narrator recalls being a carefree 17 year-old, hanging out with friends and then learning about the tragic news:

Like a deer in the headlights, I stood frozen in my tracks And the weight of the news, It nearly broke my back.

Forever changed by the loss of his friend and his carefree youth, he still cries.

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." - John Cleveland, American politician | Source

12. "Bring on the Rain" by Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw

You've heard the saying, "When it rains, it pours." In this 2000 country song, the narrator doesn't fight it but rather welcomes the challenge because tomorrow is another day.

13. "I Love a Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbit

No one loves a rainy night like the guy in this 1980 classic. He gets all giddy hearing the thunder, watching the lightning and both feeling and tasting the rain.

He says it puts a song in his heart. What he's probably ignoring is the danger of being out in a thunderstorm, but who am I to diss his bliss?

14. "Georgia Rain" by Trisha Yearwood

A tender, rain-soaked memory from a woman's teenage years is the focus of this 2005 country song. The sweet memory involved her boyfriend and laying out under the stars when a sudden downpour occurred.

Years later, she's back in her hometown and the memory comes rushing back to her. Although they've both moved on, she says not even the Georgia rain can wash away the way she loves him to this day.

"Don't be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards." - Vladimir Nabokov, Russian-American novelist | Source

15. "When It Rains" by Eli Young Band

The guy in this 2008 song is a real ray of sunshine. He explains that "the sun may brighten your day, but if I had my way I'd take the rain" because if you "start out depressed then everything comes as a pleasant surprise."

He doesn't mind being lonely and crying, and prefers not to even try. It sounds like someone needs to ask his doctor to double his dose of Prozac.

16. "Rainy Days and Mondays" by The Carpenters

What is it about rain that gets people feeling so depressed? Rain is nourishing for the earth and it's great sleeping weather.

However, the woman in this 1971 song doesn't see it that way. She's bored, lonely, and has feelings of hopelessness. Explaining that "rainy days and Mondays always get me down," she seeks comfort from the one who loves her.

17. "Purple Rain" by Prince

This song's lyrics refer to changing times and address an ex-lover and friend the narrator cares for deeply. But people have been trying to figure out the meaning behind the 1984 chart-topper for years.

Some say it's about the coming end of the world, as The Purple One was very interested in the apocalypse. Others believe that purple rain is a metaphor for spiritual euphoria. The song is one of Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

18. "Raining on Sunday" by Keith Urban

This romantic country song from 2002 describes a man who feels worn and weathered by the hardships of his life. To relax and rejuvenate he hopes that Sunday brings rainstorms so that he and his partner can spend the day under the covers getting reacquainted:

Your love is like religionA cross in MexicoAnd your kiss is like the innocence Of a prayer nailed to a door.Oh, surrender in much sweeterWhen we both let it go.Let the water wash our bodies cleanAnd love wash our souls.

19. "Rhythm of the Rain" by The Cascades

The rain serves as a painful reminder to the heartbroken man in this 1962 song that his sweetheart has left him. He realizes that he is a fool to let her get away and now all he can do is weep about it. Better luck next time, fella!

The song is unusual in that it features a musical instrument called a celesta, a large wooden music box similar to a piano.

20. "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Rod Stewart

So many artists have offered up their version of this 1971 song, originally released by Creedence Clearwater Revival. However, Rod Stewart's 2006 version represents a particularly noteworthy effort.

The song is about the calm before the storm. The narrator predicts this will result in a sun shower, an uncommon weather phenomenon in which the sun is shining but it's raining. This is a metaphor for being sad even though everything objectively looks like it's going your way. Ever have that happen to you?

Rain isn't that bad is it? It'll be gone before you know it. | Source

Even More Songs About Rain, Rainy Days and Rainy Nights

Song

Artist

Year Released

21. Rain

Madonna

1993

22. No Rain

Blind Melon

1992

23. Fire & Rain

James Taylor

1970

24. I Can't Stand the Rain

Tina Turner

1984

25. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

Willie Nelson

1975

26. Rain Is a Good Thing

Luke Bryan

2009

27. I Wish It Would Rain

The Temptations

1967

28. Rain Over Me

Pitbull (featuring Marc Anthony)

2011

29. It Never Rains In Southern California

Albert Hammond

1972

30. I'm No Stranger to the Rain

Keith Whitley

1988

31. Kentucky Rain

Elvis Presley

1970

32. Rain Fall Down

The Rolling Stones

2005

33. Rainy Night in Georgia

Brook Benton

1970

34. A Better Rain

George Strait

2006

35. Rainy Day Woman

Waylon Jennings

1974

36. Let It Rain

Eric Clapton

1970

37. There's Something Sexy About the Rain

Kenny Chesney

2005

38. Smoky Mountain Rain

Ronnie Milsap

1996

39. Rains of Castamere

Jackie Evancho

2014

40. Hard Rain Don't Last

Darryl Worley

2000

41. Singin in the Rain'

Gene Kelly

1952

42. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

B.J. Thomas

1969

43. Alabama Rain

Jim Croce

1973

44. Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)

Gary Allan

2013

45. Umbrella (Orange Version)

Rihanna

2007

46. Who'll Stop the Rain

Creedence Clearwater Revival

1970

47. I Sure Can Smell the Rain

Blackhawk

1994

48. Rain

Breaking Benjamin

2005

49. Kiss Me in the Rain

Barbara Streisand

1979

50. You Won't Ever Be Lonely

Andy Griggs

1999

51. Rainin' You

Brad Paisley

2005

52. When It Rains

Gretchen Wilson

2004

53. Prayers for Rain

The Cure

1989

54. Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain

The Judds

1985

55. Come Some Rainy Day

Wyonna

1997

56. Come In with the Rain

Taylor Swift

2008

57. Raining On Me

Gretchen Wilson

2005

58. Fall Like Rain

Eric Clapton

1998

59. I Wish I Were the Rain

SHeDAISY

2002

60. Is It Raining At Your House

Brad Paisley

2003

61. Healing Rain

Michael W. Smith

2004

62. Blame It On the Rain

Milli Vanilli

1989

63. Early Morning Rain

Gordon Lightfoot

1966

64. Kiss the Rain

Billie Meyers

1997

65. Raining On Our Love

Shania Twain

1995

66. Let It Rain

Mark Chestnutt

1996

67. Every Time That It Rains

Garth Brooks

1989

68. Why Does It Always Rain On Me

Travis

1999

69. Rain

MIKA

2009

70. Can You Stop the Rain

Peabo Bryson

1991

71. Rain On Me

Ashanti

2003

72. Can You Stand the Rain

New Edition

1988

73. Laughter In the Rain

Neil Sedaka

1974

74. Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again

The Fortunes

1971

75. When It Rains

Paramore

2007

76. Let It Rain

David Nail

2011

77. Rain

Creed

2009

78. A Year Without Rain

Selena Gomez & the Scene

2011

79. Make It Rain

Ed Sheeran

2014

80. Rain

The Cult

1985

81. The Rain

Oran “Juice” Jones

1986

82. Echoes of Rain

Enya

2015

83. Fool In the Rain

Led Zepplin

1979

84. Rain

Uriah Heep

1972

85. I Wish It Would Rain Down

Phil Collins

1989

86. Rain

SWV

1998

87. The Rain

Missy Elliott

1997

88. Rusted From the Rain

Billy Talent

2009

89. Standing In the Rain

Billy Talent

2003

90. Queen of Rain

Roxette

1992

91. Let It Rain

Michael W. Smith

1992

Got a song suggestion for our Rain Song List? Leave us a comment below in the Comments Section.

The rainiest American cities by annual rainfall are tend to be in Alabama, Louisiana in Florida. And you probably suspected Seattle was the rainiest American city! | Source

Make your own Girl Power Playlist with this collection of rock, country, and pop songs that honor the power of the female spirit. Dedicated to powerful women of all ages.

Comments 28 comments

FlourishAnyway 7 weeks ago from USA Author

teaches12345 - Some of these are very relaxing. Thank you for visiting! Have a good weekend!

teaches12345 7 weeks ago

I only wish it were raining to complete the peacefulness of these songs. I see a few I will keep to play next time it rains here.

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Bill - Glad you stopped by. It's astonishing how many there are on this one topic! Stay dry as hurricane weather rolls towards the US and have a good week.

bdegiulio 2 months ago from Massachusetts

Hi Flourish. I can't believe how many hits there are about rain. And this list includes some classics. Guess I just never made the connection? For me I love a rainy day every now and then. Great job as always.

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Heidi - I love the song by Garbage too! Enjoy your week and thank you for stopping by!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Linda - I wouldn't let this list go without that one. It's #41! The times that I've visited Washington and Oregon it was always raining, but I loved it. Overcast and about to rain is my favorite weather! I'm jealous of where you live!

Carb Diva 2 months ago

Flourish - Wow, this should be the background music for my life. I live in western Washington, aka "The Evergreen State." Guess why?

I'm like Billybuc--I'm going to let my age show (but even worse than he). What about "Singin' in the Rain" (from the movie of the same name, Gene Kelly)?

heidithorne 2 months ago from Chicago Area

I love rain! So my fave from the list is the one by Garbage, but lots of others, too (Manilow, Creed, Eddie Rabbit-- you got 'em all!). If it's raining by you, enjoy!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Linda - The only thing that bugs me about it is that it makes my hair frizz, but then so does a hot steamy summer day. Stay dry and have a good week!

AliciaC 2 months ago from British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for sharing the interesting facts about rain and rain-themed music, Flourish. I don't mind a gentle rain and sometimes even enjoy it, but I hate downpours. Unfortunately, the rainy season is close at hand!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

MsDora - We're getting a lot of rain these past few days. Hope you aren't getting too much. Have a lovely week ahead, rain or shine.

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Sunshine625 - Rain can make you appreciate the sunshine even more! Have a great week!

MsDora 2 months ago from The Caribbean

I can't say it too often: I love rain and many of the sentiments expressed in these lyrics are my thoughts exactly. As usual, I have to listen to a few. Thanks for another great list of songs.

Sunshine625 2 months ago from Orlando, FL

I love rainy days and songs about rain. I am glad to see Gary Allan made your list!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

shanmarie - Thanks for the great addition. I added it at #76.

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

shanmarie - Thank you for the kind compliment. I enjoy country music, too, going way back!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Larry - Me too. Thanks for reading. Have a great week.

Larry Rankin 2 months ago from Oklahoma

I actually enjoy a nice rain.

Great list!

shanmarie 2 months ago from Texas

P.S. I didn't see David Nail's "Let It Rain" on your list.

shanmarie 2 months ago from Texas

Love your song choices here, especially the country ones. When I published my recent hub about rain I had many of these songs come to mind.

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Suhail - I love both those songs and the artists. Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Have a great week ahead!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Nell - How awesome that you collaborated in that way. I looked it up on YouTube. Much enjoyed!

Suhail and my dog 2 months ago from Mississauga, ON

Hi FlourishAnyway,

The list has two of my favorites from the years gone by:

1. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen The Rain

2. Prince - Purple Rain

As I type this, I am listening to CCR once again.

Thanks for taking me down to the memory lane.

Regards,

Suhail and my dog

Nell Rose 2 months ago from England

Hiya, I love all these songs, then had to laugh when checking out the map! Umbrella mountain, wow! Tom Cornett on here actually wrote a song for me on Youtube called Rain! all because I came out with the words, rain got in my mind! so he wrote the song! you can see it if you just put in rain by tom cornett! great hub and singalongs!

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Bill - Aww, buddy, you're only as old as you feel. You didn't even think of Purple Rain? Hey, I did put The Carpenters, CCR and The Cascades on there.

billybuc 2 months ago from Olympia, WA

My age is showing. The first song I thought of was by the Beatles....then "Rainy Night in Georgia".....oh well, I always love these lists, even when my first song doesn't show up in the top ten. :)

FlourishAnyway 2 months ago from USA Author

Kyriaki - Thanks so much for your kind encouragement. It's been raining all week where I live so it's an appropriate hub. Have a great weekend!